Towing and Roadside Assistance

Buying the Best Towing and Roadside Assistance

(Because broken cars don’t magically transport themselves to safety)

Greg Lewerer|June 8, 2018

Picture it. You’re cruising down a lonely highway, singing your favorite song off-key, when all of a sudden, BAM! Your car goes kaput. Once you’re done freaking out and have successfully made it through several stages of grief, you realize that no one is around to help, or is willing.

The only thing worse than being stranded on the side of the road is being stranded on the side of the road without a solid plan for getting to safety. Our independent agents can help you add the right towing and roadside assistance insurance to your policy, so you can get back on the road… Or at least to a repair shop.

What is Towing and Roadside Assistance Insurance?

Towing and Roadside assistance is an opt-in endorsement that you can add to your existing auto policy, which will rescue you if your car breaks down or get stranded.

In the unfortunate event that your car does break down, a professional will come to wherever you are. And either help fix the problem or tow your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.

Who needs Towing and Roadside Assistance Insurance?

Unfortunately, cars can break down. And if you’re not a fan of being stranded and spending money, adding a towing and roadside assistance to your policy is an ideal solution.

Here are some costs you may face without coverage:

Car towing: Ranging from $2.50 to $7.00 per mile.

Locked keys in car: Up to $250.

Jump start car battery: Up to $100.

What Does Towing and Roadside Assistance Cover?

When you’ve opted-in and the endorsement has been added to your existing policy, coverage can include the following:

Towing to the closest eligible car shop

Tire changes

Unlocking car with key(s) inside

Replacing lost key(s)

Jump-starts

Fuel delivery

Pulling your car out of mud and snow

In addition to the situations where coverage can be of use, you’ll want a policy that offers 24/7 availability. It will be worth it if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. And it’s dark and scary.

How Much Does Roadside Assistance Insurance Cost?

Depending on the terms and coverage, you can expect to pay around $2 to $5 a month. Auto clubs like AAA, can cost upwards of $150 a year.

Sure, you’ll get some extra bells and whistles. But the most common roadside assistance calls are for flat tires, towing, and lockouts. All of which can be purchased with an endorsement at a much friendlier price.

Does Your Car Warranty Include Roadside Assistance?

It’s becoming more common for car manufacturers to offer limited roadside assistance as part of their warranty. However, most programs expire after 3 to 5 years. And some will require you to be towed to a specific dealership.

While the extra assistance is nice, it’s not the only coverage you’ll want to have. Especially if you find yourself in a breakdown that’s outside the warranty’s terms and conditions.

How Does Roadside Assistance Insurance Differ for My Older Car?

Old things break down more often, they can’t help it, they’re old! Overheating, bad brakes, and corroded car parts make an older vehicle the perfect candidate for this type of coverage.

The age and condition of your car will determine the best policy for you. But ultimately older cars get all the same benefits as newer cars. They’ll just need them more often.

Questions to Ask When Buying Roadside Assistance Insurance?

Just like any purchasing decision, never go into it blind. Our agents will simplify the process by going through the following questions. The answers will help find the coverage that’s right for you.

Is the car or the driver covered?

Am I covered driving other vehicles?

What is the coverage area?

Is there a sign-up fee?

How many tows per year?

What is the towing mileage?

What is the average response time?

Is assistance available 24/7?

Will the policy reimburse me if I hire services myself?

How to Find Roadside Assistance Insurance Quotes?

It’s possible you already have roadside assistance in your car warranty or existing auto policy. Our agents can review your current coverage to make sure you have the right protection in place.

If you don’t have any or enough coverage or it hasn’t been endorsed, our agents can find and compare quotes for a variety of options that will fit your needs.

The Sweet Benefits of an Independent Agent

Finding or knowing if you have the right towing and roadside assistance coverage/endorsement can be tricky. The role of an independent agent is to make this as quick and painless as possible. And to make sure you end up with the coverage YOU want and need.

Not only that, they’ll break down all the jargon and explain the nitty gritty bits, so you understand exactly what you're getting.

For Insurance Carriers

This information is designed to help you with your decision-making, and it is not intended to provide advice. Contact a local independent agent in the Trusted Choice network today for assistance concerning the insurance options that are available to you.